From Public House to Inclusive Church - Client Case Study
Bespoke climate control meets innovative community space design.
Client:
From Public House to Inclusive Church
Location:
Suffolk
Project type:
Bespoke climate control meets innovative community space design.
Background:
The IC Centre (Inclusive Church) recently transformed the former Glad Abbot public house in Bury St Edmunds into a vibrant community space. Repurposing a disused pub presented both exciting opportunities and unique challenges for the renovation.
Pitkin & Ruddock were engaged to design and install a bespoke HVAC system that would meet the building’s acoustic and airflow requirements while supporting its new role as a welcoming hub for congregational gatherings, a café, and an under-5s play area.
Requirements/Challenges:
- Noise Restrictions: Planning regulations prohibited any noise transfer through the floor, ruling out traditional ceiling-penetrating units.
- External Noise Limitations: The client required a quiet system that would not disturb the surrounding area.
- Air Distribution Needs: The building hosts a variety of activities, requiring even airflow without drafts.
- Site Constraints: Pipes had to be installed before ceilings were fitted.
Equipment Installed:
Daikin under-ceiling units were chosen to avoid ceiling penetration while maintaining quiet operation.
Works:
Pitkin & Ruddock delivered a tailored VRV solution to address these constraints:
- Airflow Design: Cassettes were strategically installed to ensure even air distribution and prevent drafts in congregational spaces.
- Noise Mitigation: Under-ceiling units were mounted on dampers to prevent vibration transfer into the roof void.
- System Configuration: Three under-ceiling units were installed in the main area, with two wall-mounted units in the office and meeting room.
- Phased Installation: First-fix piping was completed before ceiling installation.
Outcome:
- Compliance: Fully met planning and noise transfer requirements.
- Enhanced Community Space: Provided a quiet, comfortable environment suitable for gatherings, a café, and children’s play areas.
- Client Satisfaction: Inclusive Church now has a reliable, efficient, and visually integrated HVAC system tailored to the unique requirements of their new premises.
Key Takeaways:
- Bespoke VRV solutions can overcome strict noise and architectural constraints.
- Strategic placement and mounting of units are crucial for maintaining both acoustic and airflow performance.
- Careful phasing and planning ensure successful delivery even with site limitations such as intermittent electricity access.